Mission: "All students will have the academic, social, and personal skills to be career, college, and community ready."

Vision: "Together, we inspire a passion for learning, discovery, and excellence."

General FAQ's

What is 1:1, and why is BPS investing in it?

What is 1:1?

A 1:1 program represents the most comprehensive technology integration program available for instructional purposes. It requires that every student and teacher involved has direct access to a personal computing device at all times.

Why are we doing this?

Bismarck Public Schools has an obligation to prepare all students for an ever-changing world, that sees technological advancements happening at a rapid rate. 21st century students need to harness technology to be effective creators, problem solvers, collaborators, and communicators. They must use technology to collaborate with others in communities beyond their own. We believe that every student has a right to an education that prepares them for further education and future employment, and develops the success skills that they need as citizens of the 21st Century:

Critical Thinking - analysis, interpretation, problem solving, and reasoning are essential in today's world of work. 1:1 access places all of these at a student's fingertips anytime, anywhere.

Communication- students can articulate their thoughts, ideas and questions in real time with the teacher or other students.

Collaboration- the ability to work with others in diverse teams is necessary in today's global society. With Google Apps for Education (GAFE) and other similar apps, students can connect with peers, teachers, and others as they work together on projects for classes. Opportunities for immediate feedback and authenticity are provided.

Creativity- students are able to demonstrate mastery of learning objectives through videos, slideshows, graphic representations, etc. Students design their own new and worthwhile ideas, while possibly refining or improving others.

What is our goal for our students?

What is our goal for the students? For students to be career, college, and community ready, they need to be...

Flexible

Adaptable

Self-Directed

Globally Aware

Productive

Critical Thinkers

Creative

Collaborative

FLUID WITH 21st CENTURY TOOLS

What is the difference between "building-based" and "student-issued," and why are there two different versions of 1:1?

5th-8th grade at BPS is "building-based 1:1"

In a building-based model, students are assigned a device as "theirs" that they will have individual access to, and that will "follow" them throughout the school day. However, building based devices will remain at the school for student access and are not intended to be taken home. The intent of this model is to support students in developing the skills, and responsibilities that will allow them to make the best use of student-issued 1:1 later in their academic career.

9th-12th grade at BPS is "student-issued 1:1"

In a student-issued model, students are assigned a device as "theirs" that they will have individual access to both during and outside of the school day. The intent of this model is to allow fluid, flexible, and equitable access to materials, information, and digital tools that will allow them to develop the skills and responsibilities they will need to be productive 21st century citizens.

What are the expectations for student responsible use?

Students are expected to act in compliance with BPS Policies: (available on www.bismarckschools.org under “School Board & Policies” tab)

ACDA - Responsible use of Technology

FFI - Student Responsible Use

Is there a cost for students and families?

There is no cost to students. Chromebooks and chargers are provided by the school at no charge, and are owned by the Bismarck Public School district.

Why Chromebooks?

Chromebooks are our best fit based on its "ready out of the box" setup, fast boot time, long battery life, low cost and integration into the district's technology services.

May students bring their own device?

5th-8th grade

With a building-based 1:1 program, there is really no need for students to substitute personal devices for the district-provided one. The student Chromebooks are sufficient to meet the curriculum and instructional requirements of our school, and provide a consistent and equitable experience for our students.

9th-12th grade

High School students have the option to opt-out of using the distruct issued device. You can choose to have your child complete the same class work without the assistance of a Bismarck Public Schools Chromebook. Please remember that the school assumes no responsibility for your personal devices while on school premises. We can't guarantee the functionality of all GAFE (Google Apps for Education) on personal devices nor can we troubleshoot personal devices. All district wide testing will need to be completed on a district provided device.

Do I have to give my permission for my student to be issued a Chromebook?

By simply registering your child for school, they will become part of our 1:1 initiative. There is no extra registration required

When will my student receive the Chromebook?

Beginning in the Fall of 2019, each student (5-12) will be issued a Chromebook early during Fall Semester. Students will be issued use the same device from 5th-8th grade. Students will be issued a new device in 9th grade for use through 12th grade.

Is technical support provided?

District technology staff will be available during school hours to help students. Most schools have a student help desk located in the library. Students whose devices break or malfunction may be issued a loaner or replacement device while theirs is being repaired.

Is my student's data secure?

BPS takes student data security very seriously. All online tools that are linked to your student’s account have been vetted and approved by the school board for student use.

Where should my student store critical files such as homework or projects?

Each student has access to a district-provided Google apps for education account. Students should use this cloud account to store their school work in Google Drive. Work saved in Google Drive is accessible to students from other devices, and saving work to their BPS Google Drive also helps prevent students’ work from being lost in the event that their Chromebook malfunctions or needs to be replaced.

What if students don't have internet access at home?

Bismarck Public Schools cannot provide internet access within a private home setting. Libraries, schools and other public buildings have public access outside school hours.

Low income families may qualify for theMidco Lifeline assistance program which helps families that meet certain income criteria access home phone and internet services at reduced prices. The Midcontinent Lifeline Assistance program provides phone subscribers with free installation and reduced monthly rates. Eligible Internet subscribers can receive Midcontinent Broadband service (12 Mpbs x 1 Mbps) for $9.95 per month with no installation or modem fees. For additional information contact the Lifeline Assistance program at 1-800-888-1300.

What software is available for my students to use?

In addition to device access, each student is issued an @bpsapps account that allows them access to many powerful online tools such as Google Apps for Education, Microsoft Office 365 Suite, WeVideo, VoiceThread as well as educational databases and other district approved resources.

Can students take their Chromebook home?

5th-8th

1:1 for 5th-8th grade is “building-based.” This means that students will have access to and be responsible for their individual device during school hours, but the intent is that these devices remain at school.

In certain circumstances, a 5th-8th grade student may need to take their Chromebook home. This agreement needs to be signed by a parent/guardian and returned to the school prior to the student taking the device home.

9th-12th

Yes, students are encouraged to take their Chromebooks home so learning can take place beyond the walls of the school. The state filter only applies to the District's internet service and will not work at your home. You may contact your internet provider if you wish to learn more about filtering content at home.